Garagay Archaeological Complex — Lima Temple with Polychrome Reliefs
Garagay · Huaca Garagay
Initial–Early Horizon 1400–500 BCE·Central coast Chavínoid·🇵🇪 Lima (Lima Province), Peru
About
About Garagay Archaeological Complex — Lima Temple with Polychrome Reliefs
U-shaped temple pyramid 400 m complex central pyramid 23 m with Chavínoid polychrome spider/god reliefs, 1400–500 BCE, oldest inside Lima metropolis. Recorded context — Period: Initial–Early Horizon 1400–500 BCE; Culture: Central coast Chavínoid; Field status: ongoing; Materials: adobe, mud plaster; Condition: ruins.
Why it mattersArchaeological landmark for Central coast Chavínoid in Lima (Lima Province); type-site demonstrating u-shaped temple oracle and regional exchange.
Open questions
Mysteries & theories
Mysteries
- 01Function and chronology of Garagay Archaeological Complex — Lima Temple with Polychrome Reliefs within Initial–Early Horizon 1400–500 BCE
- 02Relationship to neighboring polities
Theories
- 01Central coast Chavínoid ceremonial center for u-shaped temple oracle
- 02Regional capital controlling trade and tribute network
Theories are interpretations, not findings. The seal above tells you how much scholarly weight the place carries.
History
How it came to be
- Built
- c.1400–500 BCE
- Period
- Initial–Early Horizon 1400–500 BCE
- Culture
- Central coast Chavínoid
- Builders
- Central coast builders
- Purpose
- U-shaped temple oracle
- Rediscovered
- 1975 Ravines
- Excavation
- Excavation ongoing
c.1400–500 BCE
Garagay Archaeological Complex — Lima Temple with Polychrome Reliefs construction phase
20th century
Modern excavations
On the ground
Structures & features
12.0106° S · 77.0836° W · 125 m · 2 mapped features
Gallery